A Fork in the Road: New Orleans, LA

Highlights from last year's trip with friends....

Day 1, Friday - We arrived very late, Acme was close to the hotel and only an average beginning.



Fried Pickles



Red beans & rice - my FAVORITE NOLA dish!







Blackened Alligator w. tartar sauce

Day 2, Saturday - Mother's, an historical NOLA establishment known for their long lines at breakfast (po-boys are also known) and friendly staff, but fair warning....it's a tourist trap.

 Plain 'ole fried eggs, grits, sausage and a side of divine biscuits

The Divine biscuits with homemade jam which Edna bought us upon our NYC return 



Plain waffle with hot syrup (not pictured)

Crawfish omelet with grits

Stick with the 'plain 'oles'.  The crawfish omelet's sauce was too watery and too fishy at 9am.                                                     

Day 3, Sunday

On a sweltering New Orleans summer day, we set out for Rampart Food Store on the outskirt of the French Quarter.  Unfortunately, when we arrived, it was closed (think Sunday church in NOLA) so we hoofed it to Frenchman Street.  Our walk took us to Praline Connection.  Here there were families dressed in their 'Sunday best' and dining family style on Cajun-Creole Soul Food. 

Fried Okra

Chicken Livers with Hot Pepper Jelly



'A Taste of Soul Platter'
File Gumbo, Red Beans & Rice, Jambalaya, Greens, Fried Chicken, Ribs, Catfish Strips and Bread Pudding



The above was much smaller than it sounds and was a great amount to split between 4 gals.  The okra and livers were perfectly fried and the platter, while tasty, had heavier frying.  There was nothing truly notable except the bread pudding, which was exceptional. 

Day 3, Monday - Edna and I make it to Rampart Food Store.  Located in the back of a bare convenience store, it is completely run by Chinese.  And BOY, do they know how to make a po-boy.  What makes you salivate over these bad boys, is the seafood being fried tempura-style (light breading).  They don't dress the sandwich with tartar or cocktail sauce, just the typical ketchup and mayo.  We couldn't get down the block, before we sat on a neighborhood stoop and started.  If you have the time, make it to RFS...it is worth it! 

Acme  724 Iberville Street (504) 522-5973  http://www.acmeoyster.com/

Mother's  401 Poydras Street (504) 523-9656  http://www.mothersrestaurant.net/index.html
The Praline Connection  542 Frenchman Street (504) 943-3934 http://www.pralineconnection.com/